Nabvan's amusement was clearly apparent. His wife had met her match. The sisters were a stubborn, opinionated pair. He found beauty in their strength and defense of others. Alexis caught sight of his smirk and slapped his arm playfully. She whispered, "You won't be laughing if Srath breaks her heart. I know you. You'll do battle with himyourself."
He nodded and whispered back, "True enough. She is my family, and I will defend her with my life. However, I do not think it will be necessary. Srath has met a woman he cannot control or leave behind. Do not strain your relationship with Nancy further. She can handle this without your interference, loving though itis."
Nancy's anger at her sister's trespassing in her life followed her into the shower. She would show Alexis just how defiant she could be. She would make herself as attractive as possible for her "date" with Srath. Choosing a musk-scented body wash, she lathered every inch of her soft skin. She would layer the scent with a perfume of the samearoma.
Searching through her closet, Nancy found the perfect outfit for a night in the club. Butter-soft suede pants that rode low on her hips and hugged her curves with a matching vest that left her midriff bare. A green-toned jewel sparkled from her navel. The piercing was guaranteed to shock Alexis and draw Srath's admiring gaze. The cleavage revealed by the vest would cause an uproar as well. Nancy styled her hair in silky waves, weaving in tiny jewels that matched the one in her navel. The right's activist was gone. In her place stood a vixen who was out to have a, no holds barred, goodtime.
Nabvan was the first to see her as she entered the living area. His slow grin of appreciation and wink of understanding brought a genuine smile to Nancy's face. Alexis gasped when she turned at Nancy's voice, "I'm ready to leave whenever youare."
Nabvan squeezed her arm, and Alexis heeded the warning. She did notcomment.
Nexxa had no such qualms. She blurted out, "Wow, you look sexy! Can I have a navel piercing before we leave,mommy?"
Nabvan growled, "You are too young for that. Maybe we can get your ears pierced, like mommy's are. I think it is some kind of tradition onEarth."
The transport ride back to the spaceship was short and silent. The tension between Alexis and Nancy kept everyone's mouth shut tightly. Even Nexxa knew not tospeak.
Srath was waiting under a light pole. Nancy lost her breath when she saw him there. He was wearing black jeans that hugged his large thighs and emphasized their muscular build. A black t-shirt molded his six pack, and a leather jacket gave him a fierce, untouchable demeanor. His black, wavy hair shone with almost a purple hue in the bright light. She prayed she wouldn't have to compete with too many women for his attention because she wanted him all toherself.
Nancy stepped from the shadows and watched as Srath's already dark eyes became black with desire. It gave her the courage to swing her hips as she went toward him, bringing attention to her bare midriff and the sparkling jewel that lay at its center. She heard a deep growl, like a tiger, and realized it came from Srath. He declared, "Please let me carry a weapon tonight. I cannot defend such beauty with only my fists. I will not allow you to be touched by disrespectinghands."
"I can defend myself, if necessary. I go to clubs all the time. You can't take a weapon into a club. It will bring trouble that we don't desire. Keep your temper, or I'm afraid Nabvan will revoke his permission. I don't want that. I would very much like to spend the evening in your company. You have surpassed my expectations. You're looking very impressivetonight."
Srath took her small hand in his and placed a kiss on it. He declared, "I bow to your wishes. I am honored to accompany you to the club. Your beauty has meenthralled."
Nancy now knew why he had so many lovers. He was simply too charming toresist.
